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From the archives: July 20, 2009
Sure, just about any cold drink will quench your thirst on a hot day, but how about please your palate? This summer we're going out on a limb and sipping some of the more adventurous summer cocktails from top Chicago bars and restaurants. From new spins on old favorites to grown-up versions of childhood throwbacks, these are the drinks to be seen sipping this summer.
(Photo: Watermelon Mint and Sakerita cocktails at Mana Food Bar by Emilie Zanger)
Summer Cocktails
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Blackbird
Read Reviews619 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661 (map)
The Hibiscus Kiss ($12) at Paul Kahan's trendsetting West Loop restaurant is a bouquet in a glass. Prairie organic vodka and St. Germain elderflower liqueur mingle with hibiscus-infused simple syrup, while a tangy kiss of lemon juice keeps things in balance.
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Mana Food Bar
Read Reviews1742 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 (map)
This trendy Wicker Park small plates spot is all about the veggies, and its cucumber Sakerita ($8) proves that the drink list is no exception. It combines two of our favorite things: sake and margaritas. Sacrilege, you say? We dare you not to love the light, tangy mix of sake, Patron Citronge, cucumbers, sour mix and lime juice. A close runner up? The fresh and not-too-sweet Watermelon Mint sake cocktail ($8). Mmm, tastes like summer.
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Perennial
Write a review1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 (map)
Somewhere at the intersection of the classic, fruity madras and the minty mojito sits Perennial's cranberry orange mojito ($11), fashioned from 10 Cane rum, lime juice, orange blossom water and chamomile syrup and then muddled with fresh mint and cranberries. If drinking it with brunch is wrong, we don't want to be right.
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Rockit Bar and Grill
Read Reviews22 W Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60610 (map)
The Raspberry Beret ($10) is a fruity send-up of a classic, with Bacardi Razz and Limon rums adding edge to fresh raspberry puree and lemonade. Remember: You don't wear it, you drink it. Unless you have one too many and flirt with someone else's date. Then you might wear it.
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Tavern at the Park
Read Reviews130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601 (map)
The smooth-as-honey Bee's Knees ($12) from this upscale tavern overlooking Millennium Park is concocted with Woodford Reserve bourbon, organic honey syrup and a splash of fresh lime juice for balance. It may taste sweet, but make no mistake: Drink one too many and you'll feel the sting.
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